REASONS TO BUY
Rolling ride
Comfortable underfoot feel
Trendy looking
REASONS TO AVOID
Pricey for performance
A bit stiff for a max-cushioned shoe
Moderate traction
On Cloudsurfer Max - Women's Review
While it lacks the aggressive responsiveness serious runners may want for high-performance training, this shoe offers stylish versatility for everyday life
The Cloudsurfer Max delivers a polished, secure, and thoughtfully balanced fit that feels dialed in for everyday use.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
By Ally Arcuri ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ May 14, 2026
RELATED: Best Running Shoes for Women
Our Verdict
The On Cloudsurfer Max is a comfortable daily trainer that lends itself to sporadic running, lots of walking, and looking fashionable while out and about. This 35 mm thick cushion shoe (in the heel) offers plenty of underfoot cushion without feeling wobbly or overly soft, making it appropriate for a wide array of runners. The Cloudsurfer Max stays surprisingly controlled underfoot because of its broad base and firmer foam setup. While not a serious training shoe for veteran runners, in our opinion, the elements of this shoe come together to create a versatile trainer that will excite the casual runner.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
On Cloudsurfer Max - Women's | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  Best Overall Women's Running Shoe |  Most Versatile Road Running Shoe | Best for Running Beginners |  Best Budget Activity Shoe | |
| Price | $180 List Check REI (on sale!) | $150 List Check REI (on sale!) | $175 List Check Price at REI | $145 List Check Price at REI | $75 List Check Amazon (on sale!) |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | While it lacks the aggressive responsiveness serious runners may want for high-performance training, this shoe offers stylish versatility for everyday life | Packed with plush cushioning and built on a taller platform, it delivers joyful comfort and versatile performance in a soft, roomy, daily shoe | This thoughtfully updated longtime favorite blends smooth comfort, durable cushioning, and a balanced ride that feels both modern and reassuringly traditional | This shoe's balanced cushioning and smooth transitions make it an approachable option for everything from recovery miles to steady everyday runs | While it lacks high-end technology, this road running shoe delivers impressive comfort and reliability for the price |
| Rating Categories | On Cloudsurfer Max | Asics Novablast 5 | Brooks Glycerin 23 | Saucony Ride 19 | Asics Gel-Contend 9 |
| Comfort and Fit (45%) | |||||
| Cushioning (30%) | |||||
| Breathability (15%) | |||||
| Traction (10%) | |||||
| Specifications | On Cloudsurfer Max | Asics Novablast 5 | Brooks Glycerin 23 | Saucony Ride 19 | Asics Gel-Contend 9 |
| Who is it Best For? | Daily runners | Everyday runners | Everyday/comfort-focused | Beginners | Beginners |
| Best Use | Relaxed running | Versatile for variable paces | Daily training | Relaxed running | Relaxed running |
| Measured Weight | 8.06 oz | 7.30 oz | 8.55 oz | 7.45 oz | 7.18 oz |
| Measured Heel-to-Toe Drop | 7 mm | 9 mm | 9 mm | 8 mm | 8 mm |
| Measured Heel Stack Height | 35 mm | 40 mm | 37 mm | 36 mm | 31 mm |
| Available Sizes | 5 - 12 US regular | 5 - 12 US regular, wide |
5 - 12 US regular, wide, extra-wide | 5 - 12 US regular, wide | 5 - 12 US regular, wide |
| Midsole | CloudTec Phase/Helion | FF Blast Max | DNA Tuned | PWRRUN+ | AMPLIFOAM™+ |
| Plate Type | None | None | None | None | None |
| Upper | Mesh | Jacquard mesh | Mesh | Engineered mesh | Jacquard mesh |
| Outsole | Rubber | AHAR LO | Rubber | Rubber | |
| Heel Tab Type | Finger loop | Finger loop | Finger loop | Extended heel pull | Finger loop |
| Style | Max cushion | Daily Trainer | Daily trainer | Daily trainer | Daily trainer |
Our Analysis and Test Results
The On Cloudsurfer Max is best suited for runners who prioritize comfort, walking, and easy everyday miles over structured training plans and speed-focused endeavors. Credit: Ally Arcuri
Comfort and Fit
The On Cloudsurfer Max delivers a comfort and fit experience that feels polished, secure, and thoughtfully tuned for daily wear. The generously padded heel collar creates a plush feel without becoming overly bulky; this balances well with the smooth mesh of the upper. The shoe wraps the foot comfortably through the midfoot while still allowing enough room in the forefoot for natural toe splay, making it accommodating for longer runs, walking, and all-day use. Previous On shoes have felt prohibitively narrow, and we are grateful to report that the Cloudsurfer Max feels far more accommodating. However, On does not currently offer wide sizes.
The plush heel collar and smooth mesh upper work together to create comfort without adding unnecessary bulk across the upper of the Cloudsurfer Max. Credit: Ally Arcuri
Cushioning
On's “CloudTec Phase” cushioning of the Cloudsurfer provides a smooth, rolling sensation that absorbs impact well while maintaining a stable platform. With 33 mm of underfoot cushioning in the heel, the Cloudsurfer Max provides plenty of protection between your feet and the ground.
The CloudTec Phase cushioning provides a smooth, rolling transition that absorbs impact while maintaining stability. Credit: Matt Lighthart
However, its ride feels noticeably firmer and more controlled than the deeply plush sensation many runners expect from a max-cushioned shoe. Unlike ultra soft max cushion shoes that can feel mushy or unstable, the Cloudsurfer Max leans slightly firmer and more controlled, giving runners a predictable ride that inspires confidence on easy miles. This works to the Cloudsurfer's benefit since its lack of mushiness creates inherent stability.
Even with its cushioned build, this shoe avoids feeling heavy or overly insulated thanks to smart ventilation design. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Breathability
Breathability is another strong point of the Cloudsurfer Max. The engineered mesh upper feels light and airy without sacrificing the secure, structured fit that makes this shoe suitable for beginner runners. Air moves easily through the forefoot and side panels, helping prevent the overly hot, boxed-in sensation that can develop in heavier max-cushion trainers. Even with the shoe's substantial cushioning and padded construction, it never feels overly dense or suffocating. The tongue and collar padding are thoughtfully designed to provide comfort without trapping excessive warmth, making the Cloudsurfer Max a solid option for year-round training, walking, and everyday wear.
While not a total beast on the roads, the traction on the Cloudsurfer Max feels dependable across everyday road surfaces. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Traction
The traction of the Cloudsufer Max is quiet but mostly confident, providing nearly as much ground-contact confidence as some of the highest performers. The outsole provides reliable grip across standard road surfaces, including pavement, sidewalks, bike paths, and light gravel, but didn't fare quite as well on damp terrain. On uses strategically placed rubber coverage in high-wear zones, which not only improves durability but also helps the shoe maintain a secure feel during daily training miles. While the Cloudsurfer Max is far from a capable pair of trail shoes, it handles dry roads and everyday running conditions well without feeling slippery or unpredictable.
While not an overall winner in road running shoes when pitted against some of the most prominent trainers on the market, the Cloudsurfer Max performs well in casual running scenarios like treadmill sessions, neighborhood jogs, and all-day wear. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Should You Buy the On Cloudsurfer Max?
Serious runners who want to execute speed workouts and marathon-distance training may find the Cloudsurfer Max lacking the technical feel they seek. Runners who want a shoe they can wear for jaunts on the treadmill, dog walks around the neighborhood, and park runs to chase their kids will appreciate the versatility the Cloudsurfer Max offers. It may not be our go-to training shoe for distance running and leg turnover, but it offers a comfortable enough platform, durability, and strong traction equipped to handle the demands of daily life.
What Other Road Running Shoes Should You Consider?
Our top recommendation for beginning runners who want a versatile shoe is the Saucony Ride 19. Compared to the On Cloudsurfer Max, the Ride feels a bit more traditional and ready to run in. Maintaining an attractive aesthetic, the Ride is a bit more responsive and versatile at running speeds while still feeling right at home in a variety of lifestyle situations. The Brooks Glycerin 23 is a GearLab favorite for its smooth versatility and ease of transitioning from marathon training to weekend lounging. The Glycerin and Cloudsurfer Max are similarly priced, while the Ride is available for a bit less, which may help influence your decision.
—Ally Arcuri
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